In the games

Dawn lives in Twinleaf Town with her mother and dreams big, so she and her best friend (and soon-to-be rival) have high hopes of catching the legendary Pokémon of their nearby lake. After meeting Professor Rowan and his assistant Lucas, they are attacked by wild Starly and as a last resort, use the Pokémon in the briefcase the Professor has forgotten. After bringing the Pokémon back Dawn receives the Pokémon she used as well as a Pokédex and goes on to gather the eight Badges of Sinnoh, defeat Team Galactic and conquer the Pokémon League all before taking on the Battle Tower.

She has to stop Team Galactic from trying to use either DialgaD or PalkiaP to destroy the entire universe in order to create a new one.

In Platinum, Dawn and Barry instead go to visit Professor Rowan at his lab rather than go to the lake in search of a Pokémon of the same rarity as a red Gyarados. They receive their Pokémon on Route 201 when Professor Rowan realizes that they are so dedicated to Pokémon as to attempt to travel from Twinleaf Town to Sandgem Town through the tall grass without any Pokémon of their own.

In addition, Team Galactic attempts to use both Dialga and Palkia, but they are stopped by Giratina. Finally, Dawn has to go to the Distortion World and face Giratina, in order to stop both worlds from destroying each other.

If the player chooses Lucas, she will become Rowan's assistant for the game. Dawn lives in Sandgem Town with her little sister, grandfather, and father—who works as an assistant of Professor Rowan. She is already the Professor's assistant at the beginning of the game. She also demonstrates to the player how to capture Pokémon by capturing a wild Bidoof.

Years later, her exploits are referenced by Cynthia, who remembers a young Trainer who defeated her.

"Oh! There's the briefcase! The professor would have been furious if I'd lost it... Huh? Oh, no! Did you... Did you use the Pokémon in here? You did?! Oh, my gosh! What's the professor going to say...? ... This is so not good... I'll take this briefcase for now."

"I'm sure glad that you're kind toward Pokémon! If you weren't, I'd have to... Oh, I just can't say it..."

After receiving the Pokédex

"I've got one, too!"

"The Pokémon that I used for the first time was a Turtwig/Chimchar/Piplup! If you'd have chosen a Turtwig/Chimchar/Piplup at the lake, we'd have the same Pokémon now! Not that it matters, but... Anyway, I'm Dawn. I also help the professor add pages to the Pokédex. So, in a sense, I'm just like you. I just got a little head start on you, that's all. I'll be happy to teach you things. Glad to meet you, <player>!"

Town tutorial

"OK, <player>, I'll act as your mentor. I've got a bit more experience than you as a Trainer and as the professor's assistant. OK, follow me! This building with the red roof is the Pokémon Center. It's the place that heals Pokémon that have been hurt in battle. You can find a Pokémon Center in most towns. The building with the blue roof over here is the Poké Mart. It's a shop where you can buy and sell items and medicine. <player>, since you're a novice Trainer, you won't be able to buy many kinds of merchandise. Don't let it bother you! Oh, that's right! <player>... Don't you need to let your family know that you're going to be helping Prof. Rowan with the Pokédex? You may need to go far away, so I think you should let someone know. Oh, but before you go, heal up your Pokémon at the Poké Center. It will be a lot less scary that way. OK, bye now!"

Post-game

"Hi, <player>! You're friends with the elder of Celestic Town, aren't you? She told me that she had something she wanted to show you."

"Hi, <player>! May I see your Pokédex? ... Oh, my gosh! You've seen every kind of Pokémon in Sinnoh! Have you shown your Pokédex to Prof. Rowan yet?" (before upgrade to National listing)

"Hey, <player>, have you ever chatted with my kid sister?" (after)

After talking to Dawn's sister

"Oh, <player>, are you acquainted with Bebe? She lives in Hearthome City. Every Trainer should make it a point to pay Bebe a visit."

After talking to Bebe

"Hi, <player>! How's your Poké Radar? When you use it, do you sometimes see more than one patch of tall grass rustling? The patch farther away gives you a better chance of seeing the same kind of Pokémon in a row. That's the feeling I get, anyway."

After used the Poké Radar

"So, <player>. I'm also helping the professor put together the National Pokédex. Catching Pokémon can be really challenging, can't it? But, it's also so much fun!"

"Sometimes a patch of grass sparkles when a Poké Radar is used. People say a differently-colored Pokémon is hiding there! Could that be true?"

After completing the National Pokédex

"<player>! <player>, <player>, <player>! Congratulations for completing the National Pokédex!"

If talked to on the player's birthday

"Is today maybe...Your birthday, <player>?"

Yes: "Giggle...Congratulations, <player>! And many more happy returns!"

No: "Oh, it isn't? I wonder what made me think that today was your birthday?"

"<player>?! Did you tell your family that you're helping the professor? ...You didn't, did you? I know that you're eager to see all kinds of Pokémon. But you shouldn't make your mom worry that you've disappeared."

"You should go tell you family that you're helping the professor. The faster the better, too."

Talked with Mom

"Oh, that's right! <player>, I haven't shown you how to catch a Pokémon. I'll demonstrate how to catch one, so just watch me, OK?"

Catching tutorial

"OK! Its HP is down! It's ready for a Poké Ball!"

After tutorial

"Giggle... See? Isn't it neat? Actually, it's better to lower your target's HP more than I did. It's important to get the Pokémon's HP as low as possible. This is because a healthy Pokémon is very difficult to catch. Oh, Pokémon also get easier to catch if you make them sleep or something by using a Pokémon's move. OK, <player>, to get you started, I'll give you five Poké Balls."

"If you have lots of Pokémon with you, it will be safer on long trips. Plus, it will be a lot more fun having your Pokémon friends along. OK, I need to get going. Bye, now!"

"Hi, <player>! Are you catching Pokémon? ...Um... I think you'd feel a lot safer if you were to catch some more./You've already got <#> Pokémon with you! At that pace, your Pokédex should be full in no time at all! In Jubilife City, there's the Trainers' School, which... Well, you know. <player>, you should visit it. You'll get some tips on Pokémon. Oh yes, Barry went to the Trainers' School earlier. OK, bye now!"

Before battle with Team Galactic Grunts

"<player>! Let's battle together and teach these horrible men a lesson!"

After battle

"<player>, did you know? The professor studies the evolution of Pokémon, too. According to his research, 90% of all Pokémon are somehow tied to evolution! I guess that means some Pokémon must undergo startling evolutions. So, <player>... Let's keep working on our Pokédex project for the professor!"

"I see... You want the Vs. Seeker. I'm impressed, <player>. You know what's important. Using that Vs. Seeker, you can find Trainers who want a rematch with you. Oh, <player>, do you also have a Pokétch? Yup, you do. You can have this too, then. You deserve it for all your hard work, <player>. The Dowsing Machine is something you should touch often. It will tell you if there is an item on the ground that you can't see. It will be especially useful inside dark caves. OK, let's keep working on our Pokédexes. Professor Rowan is counting on us!"

"<player>, are you going to take the Gym challenge? Gee, you keep getting tougher and tougher, don't you? Me? Well, I went shopping at the department store, and... I mean, well, of course I've been working on my Pokédex, but... I'll catch you later!"

After earning the Cobble Badge

"Hi, <player>! Please, can you help me? I dropped my Pokédex by accident and Team Galactic found it. Now they won't give it back. Please, I need your help. I'll be waiting in front of the warehouses. Please come!"

In front of the warehouses

"Hi, <player>! Please, can you help me? I dropped my Pokédex by accident and Team Galactic found it. Now they won't give it back. Please, I need your help. Team up and battle with me!"

No: "I'll be waiting. Please get ready and come quickly."

Yes: "You and your Pokémon together with me and my Pokémon... United like this, our dream team has no chance of losing! I'm not letting those bad people get away with their dirty deeds!"

After battle with Team Galactic Grunts

"What's going on? Why is Team Galactic out in the streets like they own the place? <player>, thank you, sincerely. If Professor Rowan ever finds out that I lost my Pokédex... Eewww... I don't want to think about it. So, <player>, what are you going to do now? I'm thinking of going to Pastoria City now. The Great Marsh there is home to many kinds of Pokémon."

"<player>... I ran into Barry a little while ago. He said he believed in you, <player>. He said that you could get the job done. I feel the same way. Please help that Pokémon! It's suffering from being dragged out by Team Galactic!"

"Since the last time, the professor did a lot research... He became very concerned about you <player>, so he came out to a place as treacherous as this... <player>, I'm so glad you're safe. Let's go home!"

If talked to

"...You know, that Pokémon was extraordinary, wasn't it? Was it really the Pokémon that created the Sinnoh region...?"

"I'm so glad that you're kind toward Pokémon! If you weren't, I'd have to... Oh, I just can't say it..."

"I've got one, too!"

"The Pokémon that I met for the first time was a Turtwig/Chimchar/Piplup! If you would have chosen a Turtwig/Chimchar/Piplup on Route 201, we'd have the same Pokémon now! Not that it matters, but... Anyway, I'm Dawn. I also help the professor add pages to the Pokédex. So, in a sense, I'm just like you. I just got a little head start on you, that's all. I'll be happy to teach you things. Glad to meet you, <player>!"

Town tutorial

"Oh, wow. I didn't know the professor had TMs. Was he a Trainer when he was young...? OK, <player>, I'll act as you mentor. I've got a bit more experience than you as a Trainer and as the professor's assistant. OK, follow me! This building with the red roof is the Pokémon Center. It's the place that heals Pokémon that have been hurt in battle. You can find a Pokémon Center in most towns. The building with the blue roof over here is the Poké Mart. It's a shop where you can buy and sell items and medicine. <player>, since you're a novice Trainer, you won't be able to buy many kinds of merchandise. Don't let it bother you! Oh, that's right! <player>... Don't you need to let your family know that you're going to be helping Prof. Rowan with the Pokédex? You may need to go far away, so I think you should let someone know. Oh, but before you go, heal up your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center. It will be a lot less scary that way. OK, bye now!"

In the lab (after battling Giratina)

"The professor did a lot of checking up after you left. He was really worried about you, <player>... He contacted acquaintances looking for help, and... <player>, I'm glad to see you safe! Welcome back!"

If talked to

"So, I was thinking... Those Pokémon you met, <player>... Were they the ones said to be the creators of the Sinnoh region?"

"Hi, <player>! May I see your Pokédex? ... Oh, my gosh! You've seen every kind of Pokémon in Sinnoh! Hey, let's go show your Pokédex to Prof. Rowan!" (before upgrade to National listing)

"Hey, <player>, have you ever chatted with my kid sister?" (after)

After talking to Dawn's sister

"Oh, <player>, are you acquainted with Bebe? She lives in Hearthome City. Every Trainer should make it a point to pay Bebe a visit. She's the administrator of the Pokémon Storage System. She's awesome!"

After talking to Bebe

"Hey! <player>, you've got a Poké Radar? I've got one, too! I'll show you how to use it. Come with me to Rt. 202!"

After the Poké Radar Tutorial

"Hi, <player>! How's your Poké Radar? When you use it, do you sometimes see more than one patch of tall grass rustling? I've heard that patches farther away gives you a better chance of seeing the same kind of Pokémon in a row."

"So, <player>. I'm also helping the professor put together the National Pokédex. Catching Pokémon can be really challenging, can't it? But, it's also so much fun!"

After using the Poké Radar

"Sometimes a patch of grass sparkles when a Poké Radar is used. People say a different-colored Pokémon is hiding there! Could that be true?"

After completing the National Pokédex

"<player>! <player>, <player>, <player>! Congratulations for completing the National Pokédex!"

"<player>?! Did you tell your family that you're helping the professor? ...You didn't, did you? I know that you're really eager to see all kinds of Pokémon. But you shouldn't make you mom worry that you've disappeared."

"You should go tell your family that you're helping the professor. The faster the better, too."

Talked with Mom

"Oh, that's right! <player>, I haven't shown you how to catch a Pokémon. I'll demonstrate how to catch one, so just watch me, OK?"

Catching tutorial

"OK! Its HP is down! It's ready for a Poké Ball!"

After tutorial

"Giggle... See? Isn't it neat? Actually, it's better to lower your target's HP more than I did. It's important to get the Pokémon's HP as low as possible. This is because a healthy Pokémon is very difficult to catch. Oh, Pokémon also get easier to catch if you make them sleep or something by using a Pokémon's move. OK, <player>, to get you started, I'll give you five Poké Balls!"

"If you have lots of Pokémon with you, it will be safer on long trips. Plus, it will be a lot more fun having your Pokémon friends along. OK, I need to get going. Bye, now!"

Poké Radar tutorial

"Hi, <player>! I was waiting for you. Let me show you how the Poké Radar works. Let's not waste any time. So, when you use the Poké Radar... See? Did you notice the tall grass rustling? There's a Pokémon in that patch of tall grass. If you go there, the Pokémon will come bursting out. Now, this is where it gets interesting. If you see another patch of rustling grass some distance away, go to it. You'll see the same kind of Pokémon as before. If you want to keep meeting the same kind of Pokémon, you should maybe use some Repels."

Jubilife City

"Hi, <player>! Are you catching Pokémon? ...Um... I think you'd feel a lot safer if you were to catch some more. You know, like when you need to travel to faraway places./You've already got <#> Pokémon with you! At that pace, your Pokédex should be full in no time at all! Oh, I know! Don't you think it's better to know more about Pokémon? Sure it is! I know just the place. Come on! Don't be shy. Follow me! That man... What is he doing? Um..."

"Huh? What I beg your pardon? I was just making conversation..."

"...Working for the International Police must be hard. <player>, here it is. It's the Trainers' School. The name says it all! I saw your friend Barry go in earlier. He could still be in there studying. OK, bye now!"

Before battle with Team Galactic Grunts

"<player>! Let's battle together!"

After battle

"<player>, did you know? The professor studies the evolution of Pokémon, too. According to his research, 90% of all Pokémon are somehow tied to evolution! Well, maybe that's the reason those people tried to take the professor's research data by force. That's really unforgivable!"

"I see... You want the Vs. Seeker. I'm impressed, <player>. You know what's important. Using that Vs. Seeker, you can find Trainers who want a rematch with you. Oh, <player>, do you also have a Pokétch? Yup, you do. You can have this too, then. You deserve it for all your hard work, <player>. The Dowsing Machine is something you should touch often. It will tell you if there is an item on the ground that you can't see. I think there's something here, even. You should try it out. OK, let's keep working on our Pokédexes. Professor Rowan is counting on us!"

Veilstone City

Before earning the Cobble Badge

"<player>, are you going to take the Gym challenge? Gee, you keep getting tougher and tougher, don't you? Me? Well, I went shopping at the department store, and... I mean, well, of course I've been working on my Pokédex, but..."

"... So, uh, <player>. Good luck on your Gym challenge."

After earning the Cobble Badge

"Hi, <player>! Please, can you help me? Some Team Galactic goons took my Pokédex away from me. I need your help to get it back. I'll be waiting in front of the warehouses. Please come!"

In front of the warehouses

"Hi, <player>! Please, can you help me? Do you remember Team Galactic? Those horrible people? They tried to steal Prof. Rowan's research results in Jubilife, remember? I ran into them, and they took away my Pokédex. Please, I need your help. Team up and battle with me!"

No: "I'll be waiting. Please get ready and come quickly."

Yes: "You and your Pokémon together with me and my Pokémon... United like this, our dream team has no chance of losing! I'm not letting those bad people get away with their dirty deeds!"

After battle with Team Galactic Grunts

"What's going on? Why is Team Galactic out in the streets like they own the place? <player>, thank you, sincerely. I would've been lost without my Pokédex. It's indispensable for helping Prof. Rowan with his studies. So, <player>, what are you going to do now? I'm thinking of going to the Pokémon Mansion on Route 212. I hear they show rare Pokémon to visitors there."

"Oh...It's that funny man from Jubilife..."

"I'm terribly sorry. Team Galactic took my Pokédex, so I was very irritated... I just blurted it out... ...I should be going now. Be wary of Team Galactic."

Canalave Library

"You can count on me! It will help with my Pokédex, too. <player>, you'll go too, won't you?"

"Will do!"

Outside Canalave Library, after explosion in Lake Valor

"...<player>, you'll be OK, no matter what, right?"

If talked to

"We're going off to Lake Verity first... Don't do anything rash if something does happen."

In the TCG

Related cardsCards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.Cards listed with a silver background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.